Issue: Arbitrary detention, threat to life, blatant violation of laws, failure of rule of law, custodial torture, right to life with dignity

Dear Friends,

Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) got information that again Mr. Vinod Kumar Gupta and his father Ram Lal Gupta were illegally detained and faced the police brutality in the custody at Phulpur police station of Varanasi as many cases of custodial torture and deaths reported in various part of Uttar Pradesh in India.

Case detail:

Mr. Vinod Kumar Gupta and his father Mr. Ram Lal Gupta were released on 18th February, 2010 night at 8 pm. As on 12th February, 2010 night approximately at 11:30 in the night 5-6 policemen in the civil dress with the shop owner son Mr. Vicky Gupta came to Vinod Gupta house. They forcefully detained entire family including women's and children also. Vinod Kumar Gupta's wife was alone in the house and she was being sexually assault by the police and they hit her dignity by using abusive language. On 13th February, 2010 they released Vinod Kumar Gupta mothers' Gaytri Devi and they also hit on her knee. They also took mobile phone of Vinod's brother the numbers are: +91-9792731268, +91-9305754951 and +91-9336280429.

After being released Ram Ji Gupta informed ,"During the time of illegal detention I was kept in three police stations i.e. Cholapur, Phulpur and Sindhaura (police outpost). In the custody they severely tortured us and compel us to drink the urine and put petrol in the ear of Vinod. Now we are living life in threat and expecting to be killed by the shop owner.Due to this incidence my other sons are being dismissed from their jobs due to fear of powerful shop owner."

On 13th February, 2010 Seema faxed letter to appropriate authorities and PVCHR sent letter to Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) about the incidence.

The primitiveness of this institution is reflected in its intellect that still depends on brute force as an accepted means of crime investigation. Its colonial mindset is echoed in the acts of police officers, who believe that it is their lawful right to punish people at will.

According to the information received National Human Rights Commission 23852 & 21014 cases has been registered in year 2008 & 2009 respectively in Uttar Pradesh. According to Government statistics, the number of custodial deaths has registered an increase in the last fiscal by 70 compared to 2006-07.

Government's lack of interest in the issue is reflected in the Bill. The Bill, a mere 477 words in a page and half, not only fails to meet international standards against torture, but also falls short of the country's own domestic jurisprudence on the issue developed by its courts, in particular the Supreme Court of India. The Bill, like practice of police, represents yet another institution in the country, its legislature, and its collective intellectual dishonesty.

Sample letter

To,

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Subject: Please take preventive and punitive measure to stop further police brutality in custody in Uttar Pradesh.

I want to draw your attention towards the case of Mr. Vinod Kumar Gupta and his father Mr. Ram Lal Gupta were released on 18th February, 2010 night at 8 pm. As on 12th February, 2010 night approximately at 11:30 in the night 5-6 policemen in the civil dress with the shop owner son Mr. Vicky Gupta came to Vinod Gupta house. They forcefully detained entire family including women's and children also.

I am informed that Vinod Kumar Gupta's wife Seema was alone in the house and she was being sexually assault by the police and they hit her dignity by using abusive language to kept her. On 13th February, 2010 they released Vinod Kumar Gupta mothers' Gaytri Devi and they also hit on her knee. They also took mobile phone of Vinod's brother the numbers are: +91-9792731268, +91-9305754951 and +91-9336280429.

Ram Ji Gupta stated, "During the time of illegal detention I was kept in three police stations i.e. Cholapur, Phulpur and Sindhaura (police outpost). In the custody they severely tortured us and compel us to drink the urine and put petrol in the ear of Vinod. Now we are living life in threat and expecting to be killed by the shop owner.Due to this incidence my other son is being dismissed from their jobs."

I am also informed that on 13th February, 2010 Seema fax letter to appropriate authority and PVCHR sent letter to Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) about the incidence.

Prior to this Mr. Vinod Kumar Gupta released on 1st February, 2010 after nine days of illegal detention on the immediate intervention and advocacy.

I am also informed that recently Allahabad reported two custodial deaths as the men in the lockup died after being beaten up with lathis and rifles by policemen. Another case of police brutality registered in Amethi of Uttar Pradesh where police inspector beating up a Dalit woman to extract a confession while a woman constable views as a mute spectator has emerged. The policeman, identified as SHO of Musafirkhana police station Kailash Dwivedi, was caught on camera beating up a Dalit woman and tearing her clothes. Sangeeta Kori was the woman being questioned in connection with her husband's murder.

Therefore it is kind request to take appropriate action to prevent further prevention police brutality in the custody and to direct each police official follow the D.K Basu Guideline VS State of West Bengal.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

From Gandhi to Sharmila Campaign touched Varanasi City today with the PVCHR and the Just Peace Foundation (JPF) jointly organised a public meeting at Vishwajoti Communication Centre, Nepali Kothi, Cantonment areas on 16 February 2010. JPF is organising the campaign form 30 January, the day Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated to 14 March the day Irom Sharmila was born. Irom Sharmila has been on a hunger strike demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 following the massacre of 10 civilians by the Armed Forces on 2 November 2000. She was arrested in on charges of attempt to commit suicide and kept as a high security prisoner. Amnesty International, on 29 January 2010, has already made a public statement stating that criminalizing Sharmila is in violation of the international law. JPF believes that criminalization of Sharmila is nothing less than murder of the very spirit of Gandhi. The campaign is to gather support of Sharmila's struggle and to demand the repeal of AFSPA. Government of India's own Jeevan Reddy Committee (2005), the Administrative Reform Commission headed by the present Union Law Minster Dr. Veerappa Moilly and the Working Group on Confidence Building Measures headed by the present Vice President Mr. Hamid Ansari have consistently recommended the repeal of AFSPA.An Armed Forces Special Powers Amendment Bill 2009 was listed for discussion in the last winter session of the parliament, but it was not brought up for discussion. We are expecting that the matter will come up during the budget session of the Parliament starting from 22 February 2010.In the meeting various organization and other peoples’ participated and decided to start signature campaign and launch pomplet “Listen the voice of Iron Sharmila” in the entire state from 8th March i.e. International Women Day to 14th March. The Campaign which started in 30 January 2010 at Imphal has travelled to Arunachal Pradesh and Delhi and in now in Varanasi City and further proceeds to Bangalore and Kerela. Irom Singhjit (brother of Irom Sharmila) and Babloo Loitongbam of the Just Peace Foundation are in Varanasi City soliciting support for the repeal of the AFSPA.Peoples’ Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) with the grass root organization of Manipur, Wide Angle sent open to the parliamentarian of both houses. Please visit the URL: http://pvchr.blogspot.com/2009/12/open-letter-to-prime-minister-of-india.htmlCampaign Against AFSPA

India: Minority human right Defender threatens to raise the issue of the minority weaver.

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Issue: Impunity, Intimidation, right to live with dignity

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13th February, 2010

Dear Friends

Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) got information from its associated Human Rights Defender Aftab Alam being threaten by the village head of Bhatti, as he highlighted the issue malnutrition, tuberculosis and hunger death in the Lohta locality of Dhannipur(Bhatti), weaver dominated area of Kashi Vidyapith Block of Varanasi district in India.

Case detail:

Aftab Alam son of late Shamshuddin is permanent resident of Dharmariya (Lohta), Kashi Vidyapith block of Varanasi district, Uttar Pradesh. Mr. Aftab Alam is weaver. He is associated Human Rights activist in Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) and currently working as consultant fellow on education in the project funded by Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT) and is elected member of Block Development Committee (BDC).

On 9th February, 09 when Aftab Alam went to Dhannipur village for his routine visit, meanwhile he got life threatening call from mobile no. +91-9936036962 at 12:16 pm on his mobile phone +91-8081961866. Village head of Bhatti Mr. Sujeet Yadav alias Lakkad Pahalwan and other influenced people gave threat and abuse Aftab not to again enter in this area.

After two hours Aftab Alam informed the entire incidence to Mr. Harun Shah. While returning from Dhannipur (Lohta) in the way Mukhtar Ahmad stopped and inquired about the case of Istiyaq Ahmand. Aftab Alam highlighted the case of Istiyaq Ahmad for immediate relief and he gave letter to village head. (Istiyaq Ahmad is resident of village Sabha Bhatti. Istiyaq is weaver and from last three month he is unable to do work due to serious illness. His wife stitches blanket and earn 10 -15 Rupees in a day and hardly manage to meet the two ends of her three children).

Meanwhile village head with few other influenced people arrived and threat him "walk off and don't come back here". Aftab Alam gently said "what is my mistake? Why you are behaving like this. They forcefully tried Aftab Alam to sit on his motor bike and other person was assisting him. Aftab Alam cried for help, Gulzar Ahmad initiated for help, but on the threat of the influenced person he back foot and did not dare to proceed against the village head.

Aftab Alam got panic after facing the unexpected life threatening incidence and anyhow managed to rid away from any unexpected happening. PVCHR and Aftam wrote a letter to DGP and NHRC in this regard.

Background Information:

Since 2004 Aftab Alam is working on the weavers issue in the area of Lohta, a weaver dominated area. He highlighted the issue of malnutrition, tuberculosis and hunger death and the condition of weavers after plight of the weaving industry. In May 2008 he highlighted the malnourishment of 14 children in Dhannipur. Administration admissions there were 106 children suffering from severe malnutrition in Dhannipur alone. This is happening because auxiliary health staff assigned to look after the children does not visit the area. 30 quintals of grains meant for distribution among the poor weavers of the village was lying undistributed till Ishrat breathed his last. He brought the issue at German Radio.Please visit given below URL for more information:

Subject: please take immediate action to save the life of the minority human rights defender for highlighting the issue of the minority weaver.

Name of Victim:

Mr. Aftab Alam, Human Right Defender

Name of Alleged Perpetrator:

1.Village Head, Sujeet Yadav alias Lakkad Pahalwan

2.Other influenced person

Date & venue of the incidence: 9th February, 2010, Dhannipur village

Respected Sir/Madam

I am writing to express my concern regarding Aftab Alam son of late Shamshuddin is permanent resident of Dharmariya (Lohta), Kashi Vidyapith block of Varanasi district, Uttar Pradesh. Mr. Aftab Alam is weaver. He is associated Human Rights activist in Peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) and currently working as consultant fellow on education in the project funded by Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT) and is elected member of Block Development Committee (BDC).

I am also informed that 0n 9th February, 09 when Aftab Alam went to Dhannipur village for his routine visit, meanwhile he got life threatening call from mobile no. +91-9936036962 at 12:16 pm on his mobile phone +91-8081961866.. Village head of Bhatti Mr. Sujeet Yadav alias Lakkad Pahalwan and other influenced people gave threat and abuse Aftab not to again enter in this area.

After two hours Aftab Alam informed the entire incidence to Mr. Harun Shah. While returning from Dhannipur (Lohta) in the way Mukhtar Ahmad stopped and inquired about the case of Istiyaq Ahmand. Aftab Alam highlighted the case of Istiyaq Ahmad for immediate relief and he gave letter to village head. (Istiyaq Ahmad is resident of village Sabha Bhatti. Istiyaq is weaver and from last three month he is unable to do work due to serious illness. His wife stitches blanket and earn 10 -15 Rupees in a day and hardly manage to meet the two ends of her three children).

Meanwhile village head with few other influenced people arrived and threat him "walk off and don't come back here". Aftab Alam gently said "what is my mistake? Why you are behaving like this. They forcefully tried Aftab Alam to sit on his motor bike and other person was assisting him. Aftab Alam cried for help, Gulzar Ahmad initiated for help, but on the threat of the influenced person he back foot and did not dare to proceed against the village head.

Aftab Alam got panic after facing the unexpected life threatening incidence and anyhow managed to rid away from any unexpected happening. .

Since 2004 Aftab Alam is working on the weavers issue in the area of Lohta, a weaver dominated area. He highlighted the issue of malnutrition, tuberculosis and hunger death and the condition of weavers after plight of the weaving industry.

Therefore this is kind request to take appropriate action to save the life of the Human Right defender and to provide immediate relief of 1000 Rupees to Mr. Istiyaq Ahamd to prevent further hunger.

Thanking You

Sincerely yours

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Please write letter to

1.Mr. Rahul Gandhi, Member of Parliament and General Secretary of Congress I, 11 Tuglak Lane, New Delhi. Email: office@rahulgandhi.in

INDIALenin Raghuvanshi, Indian activist: "The Pope tells the world the way for peace"The director of the PVCHR, said the Pope's message for Lent: "The world will listen to the words of the Pope, are the way that serves us all to fight injustice."

Delhi (AsiaNews) - Benedict XVI's message for Lent 2010 "shows that the Pope knows and understands very well the problems that afflict humanity. Furthermore, it is important that expresses support for human rights activists and those fighting for democracy. " He tells AsiaNews Lenin Raghuvanshi, director of the peoples' Vigilance Committee on Human Rights(PVCHR) and premium Gwanju (the "Asian Nobel") in 2007.

The common good and human dignity, the Pope stressed that the basic requirements for all humanity, "are ethical imperatives for us all. The lack of food, water, work and health are factors that affect humans and create unacceptable disparities. There are situations, which Benedict XVI shows to know, where people live in extreme sub-human: Well, these are unacceptable. "

According to the Pope, does not do justice to man the whole of his duty: "This thought is the most important for the present situation in India. Only this morningI met a Muslim boy, a victim of inter-religious violence in which police had not done justice. Now I can work, and you can not cure: where are the responsibility and sense of justice of the state, in cases like these? Innocent people become victims and, with the complacency of the government, they lose the right to live their lives with dignity. "

Therefore, "it is essential that governments and world leaders listen and accept the invitation of His Holiness. That, in turn, pointed out how Christians are called to contribute to the creation of just society where everyone can get what you need to live according to their needs and where justice is made more alive by love. "

Benedict XVI speaks of love and today, in societies like India plagued by tensions, it is essential to be heard. Suspicion and mistrust must bow to the truth. The Pope's message is a path towards a culture of peace that can eradicate the sources of injustice, provide a true and equal distribution of resources, in which all people can live with dignity and without distinction of any kind. Justice and human rights must become the way to peace. " (N.C.)

An SMS was received in the Commission intimating thereby that according to a BBC, Hindi telecast, 18 children of Raup village of Sonbhadra had died due to malnutrition. The Commission took cognizance of the matter and called for a report from the Chief Secretary, Govt. of UP, Lucknow vide Commission's communication dated 4.5.09. Pursuant to the direction of the Commission, a report dated 24.10.09 was received from the DM, Sonbhadra, enclosing therewith a report dated 13.10.09 of the Chief Medical Officer, Sonbhadra, and a report dated 31.8.09 of the District Supply Officer, Sonbhadra. It was reported that the cases of malnutrition have been located and necessary steps have been taken to improve their health condition. Their condition is improving after the steps taken. A joint statements of several alleged victims of malnutrition with their signatures has been enclosed with the report. The Commission has perused the report. The District Administration is reportedly alive to the problem of malnutrition and steps have been taken in this regard. Under the circumstances, further intervention of the Commission in this matter is not necessary. Accordingly the reports are taken on record. The case is closed.

Previously in the letter Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi demands for the (1) To provide compensation to the families of the deceased and injured persons. (2) To direct National authority to order state & district authority for the fair investigation by the independent agency such as state CBCID. He further added in his demanded for the implementation of Section D of Prime Minister's New 15 Point Programme for Welfare of Minorities and letter was sent to appropriate authority. Mr. P. Chitambaram, Minister of Home Affair took cognizance on the petition.

Only soon after the incidence Mr. Abdul Rahman got medical treatment on the mercy contribution of the community people and even till today. He is languishing life on other as he often got lunch from his neighbour house and even looks other for his rest of food. As the bullet pierced through his left thigh and turned him into a physical wreek. Please see the photos:http://testimony-india.blogspot.com/2010/01/unfilled-injury-of-bazardiha-police.html

PVCHR with RCT provide psychological support through testimonial therapy and medical support. Mr. Abul Rahman was diagnosed in Al-Noor Trauma Clinic and he was referred to Institute of Medical Science (IMS), Banaras Hindu University (BHU) for the further treatment. On 4th February, 2010 he was diagnosed in IMS, BHU enrollment no. 3227 registration no: 2483/10 and doctor suggested for bone grafting and the total expense for the treatment will be one lakhs (one hundred thousand) rupees. "After hearing the huge amount for the treatment, I felt very bad from inside and I lost my hopeand thought now I have to spend my life on the generosity of others. If I get medically support, I'll be again stand on my leg and start on my own self," says, Abdul Rahman

Therefore it is kind request to direct state authority to provide immediate medical support to Abdul Rahman to continue his further treatment and allotment of BPL (red) ration card to sustain article 21 of the Indian constitution.

Please contribute for the further treatment on the given below bank detail: